UAE Family Residence Permit: A Complete Guide

Many skilled workers may miss out on exciting and promising job opportunities just because they do not want to live far from their family members. Still, in the United Arab Emirates, it is different, as the country allows expatriates to bring in their families and facilitates the process and procedures to reunite family members. In this article, we will explain in detail family residency and how to obtain it for family members.

About Residence Visa For Family Members

A resident, whether an employee/investor or an employer, with a valid residence permit, may bring family members and obtain a residence visa in the UAE. Employees can now sponsor their families regardless of their job title if they earn at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 including housing. An additional requirement is that all individuals over the age of 18 must pass a medical fitness check.

The Benefits Of  Family Residence Permit In The UAE

Many employees in the UAE request family residences for their family members because of the advantages and benefits that this visa provides for expatriates. The most significant of these advantages are highlighted below.

• Family Reunification: Live in the UAE with your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents.
• Residency and Work Opportunities: Spouses can legally work in the UAE with the proper work permit.
• Education Access: Children can attend high-quality public or private schools.
• Healthcare Benefits: Access to government healthcare services and health insurance.

Sponsorship Requirements For Family Members

Expatriate residents with a valid residence permit/visa can sponsor their family to live in the UAE, providing they satisfy the following criteria:

• Minimum Salary: The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 including housing.
• Medical Fitness: Family members aged 18 and above must pass medical fitness exams at certified health facilities in the UAE.

Additional Notes regarding family sponsorship

• Mother Sponsorship: In certain instances allowed by the ICP, a mother may sponsor her kid.
• Application Period: A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for a residence visa for dependents after entering the UAE with an entrance permit.
• Parent Sponsorship: Residents can sponsor their parents, and the residence visa is provided yearly, regardless of the sponsor's visa period.
• Profession Requirement: The kind of profession no longer determines whether expatriate workers can sponsor family visas.
• Medical Conditions: Medically unfit Individuals will not be granted a residence visa. Those with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are considered medically fit and receive a one-year 'Health Fitness Certificate for Residence,' subject to treatment and follow-up by the health authority.

Read also: Real Estate Ownership Structures in Dubai.

Documents Required To Sponsor Family

To sponsor your wife and children for a UAE residence permit, you need the following documents:

• Completed application form (available online or at a registered typing office).
• Passport copies for your wife and children.
• Photos of your wife and children.
• Medical clearance certificate for your wife and children above 18 years old
• Copy of the husband's job or company contract.
• A salary certificate from the employer stating the husband's monthly salary.
• Attested marriage certificate.
• Registered tenancy contract.

Related: Dubai Investor Visa: Requirements and Cost.

Can Expatriates Sponsor Their Parents In The UAE?

Yes, expatriates in the UAE can sponsor their parents for a year’s stay by paying a deposit as required by the immigration department. However, they must sponsor both parents together unless one has died or the parents are divorced, in which case official documents are required as proof. The expatriates must also demonstrate that they are the sole provider for their parents, earn the minimum wage, and get medical insurance with the specified coverage for each parent, which must be renewed yearly.

Check out our offers for the best apartments for sale in Dubai.

Can A UAE Citizen Request A Visa For His Spouse, Parents Or Child?

Yes, a UAE resident may obtain a residence visa for their spouse, parents, or kid with a foreign passport. The visa is valid for five years, and the sponsored individual is not required to work in the UAE. In certain circumstances, the UAE citizen acts as the sponsor. Furthermore, a foreign widow or divorced woman who is the mother of a UAE citizen can receive a residence visa without having to work in the UAE, provided that the eldest child serves as the sponsor.

Related: The Best Areas To Live In Dubai.

How To Apply For A Family Visa In UAE?

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor family members.
2. Gather Required Documents.
3.  Medical Examination: Family members above 18 years old must undergo a medical examination at an authorized health centre in the UAE and obtain a medical clearance certificate.
4. Submit Application.
5. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees, which may include processing fees, medical examination fees, and a deposit if required.
6. Await Approval: The GDRFA will review the application. Upon approval, you will receive a visa entry permit for your family members.
7. Obtain Emirates ID: After the visa is stamped, apply for an Emirates ID for each family member through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

How Long Is A UAE Family Visa Valid?

A Family Visa to the UAE can be issued for one, two, or three years and renewed at least thirty days before expiration. Family Visas are reliant on the sponsor; thus, if the sponsor's visa expires or is cancelled, the Family Visas will also be void.

Dependent family members, on the other hand, are granted a 30-day grace period during which they can renew their own Residence Visa.